FREEDOM OF SPEECH SHOULD HAVE LIMITATIONS

 Introduction
 Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right that is rational and legitimate in
accordance with the true spirits of democracy
 Not freedom of speech but its misuse has rendered anarchy and chaos
 Certain limitations are needed to prevent the misuse of freedom of speech
 Limitations on the freedom of speech are to shield this right from corrosion and not to
prohibit it altogether
 Components of freedom of speech
o Freedom of expression of thought
o Freedom of expression of conscience
o Freedom of expression of religion
o Freedom of discussion on rights
o Freedom of discussion on national and international issues
 Concepts of freedom of speech in various contexts
o In U.S.A., The First Amendment refers to complete the freedom of speech,
however, with certain limitations.
o European Union ensures freedom of speech with some degree of ambiguity
o U.N.O. conforms to the right of freedom of speech; however, it also exercises
Convention on Prohibition of all Forms of Racial Discrimination and other laws to
prevent misuse of freedom of speech.
o In Pakistan’s constitution, Article 19 ensures freedom of speech, however, with
limitations.
o Islam also gives the right of freedom of speech; however, it also calls for certain
limitations.
 Indicators that advocate limitations on the freedom of speech
o Unrestrained freedom of speech violates ‘Media Ethics’
It promotes mass hysteria
It causes violent sentimental arousal
It induces vulgarity and obscenity
It causes eruption of violence
It results in sensationalism and yellow journalism
o Irresponsible use of the freedom of speech results in religious conflicts
It results in sectarian strife
It leads to blasphemous killings
It provides an impute to fanaticism and religious extremism
It promotes inter-religious conflicts
 o Misuse of freedom of speech affects global ties
It leads to the emergence of politico-religious blocs
It results in chauvinism
It widens the gap between West and Islam
It induces bellicose nature and radicalization
It leads to violent protests
It gravely affects the concept of ‘soft power’
o Unrestrained freedom of speech results in national disintegration
It promotes provincialism
It hinders cultural conformity
It airs ethno-linguistic clashes
It provides an impute to the forces of separatism
It enhances sense of alienation
 Pragmatic Solutions to define limits to free speech
-UNO should play it role
-West should stop playing double game
-World Leading countries should play their role
-There should be distinct difference between Free Speech and Blasphemy
-World should learn to respect each other Religion, Belief and Customs
 Conclusion
Hurting one's belief, abusing one's customs and tradition, throwing tantrum and
doldrums on religious personalities is not use but abuse of freedom of speech. There is a
dire need to define certain limit to Free Speech in order to exercise it safely.
 First Amendment to the United States Constitution
Freedom of speech in the United States is protected by the First Amendment to the United
States Constitution and by many state constitutions and state and federal laws. The freedom of
speech is not absolute; the Supreme Court of the United States has recognized several
categories of speech that are excluded from the freedom, and it has recognized that
governments may enact reasonable time, place, or manner restrictions on speech.
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution codifies the freedom of speech as
a constitutional right. The Amendment was adopted on December 15, 1791. The Amendment
states:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the
free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right
of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of
grievances.
Article 19 of The Constitution of Pakistan: Freedom of speech
Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall
be freedom of the press, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest
of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defense of Pakistan or any part thereof
friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to
contempt of court, [commission of] or incitement to an offence.

UNO
Article 18.

 Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes
freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with
others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice,
worship and observance.

Article 19.

 Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to
hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas
through any media and regardless of frontiers.